The revised Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

The revised Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) reflects new research and practice, policy decisions and aspirational outcomes for young children, including the priorities of the Education State. It is designed to guide practice for all professionals working in Victoria with children from birth to eight years. It provides a common language for a wide range of professionals and in doing so, promotes continuity of pedagogy and practice.

The revised VEYLDF has a specific focus on early experiences and learning from birth, and outlines the importance of the first three years of life in shaping learning and development, health and wellbeing. It retains its three distinct components: Practice Principles; Learning and Development Outcomes; and Supporting Children’s Transitions.

The revised VEYLDF includes the following changes:

The eight Practice Principles have been reordered to begin with reflective practice as a defined skill in critical evaluation for all early childhood professionals.

‘Family-centred practice’ has been renamed ‘Partnerships with families’.

The introduction to each Learning and Development Outcome has been strengthened to include contemporary evidence that will inform professionals’ practice and advance outcomes for children and families.

The Learning and Development Outcomes have been linked to the first three levels of the Victorian Curriculum F–10.

Appendices to the revised VEYLDF

There are six Appendices that support this document:

Appendix 1 – Overview of the roles of early childhood professionals that support families and children birth to eight years
(published in the revised VEYLDF document)

Appendix 2 – Overview of early childhood services birth to eight years

Appendix 3 – Overview of resources that support best practice of early years’ professionals

Appendix 4 – Bibliography
(published in the revised VEYLDF document)

Appendix 5 – Glossary
(published in the revised VEYLDF document)

Attachment 1 – Illustrative Maps These maps are designed for both early childhood education and care professionals and teachers in the early years of school to inform curriculum planning and pedagogy with young children.

In the consultation process, in 2015, practitioners specifically requested that the VEYLDF be made available in both hard and soft copy (in this way the VEYLDF can remain current in the online version).

The VEYLDF poster

An original artwork was commissioned from Aboriginal artist Annette Sax (Taungurung) to illustrate the links between the three key elements of the VEYLDF (the Outcomes, the Practice Principles and Transitions). A story description by Dr Sue Lopez Atkinson (Yorta Yorta) in the revised VEYLDF explains the image. This artwork can be found on page 38 of the revised VEYLDF.

Distribution

Printed copies will be mailed out to all early years services in Victoria.

Please note: the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework is for early childhood professionals working in services and schools and as such is not intended for distribution to families.